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starboard · 11-26-2015, 06:14 PM

I am always plugged to shore power(50 amps 110/220 volts and all my lights are on 12v with a univolt. The battery was old and weak 7 to 8v , so I replaced it today hoping that my leds would perk up. did not happen. Same level of light. I did not buy a top of the line battery since I am always on line voltage. Any idea on what I could be doing wrong? The battery posts are beautifully clean
. could it be the Univolt?
Starboard

Al and Missy · 11-26-2015, 06:21 PM

What is the battery voltage now? A new battery should have had a full charge, and read 12.5 volts or so.

You should see 12.5 to maybe as much as 13-14 volts if the Univolt is charging the battery. If you bought a new battery and it reads less than 12.5 with the Univolt on, there is a high probability that the Univolt is bad.

Al

starboard · 11-26-2015, 07:01 PM

Thank you,
So, if I understand the lights could still have been functioning even badly, with a dead univolt and a poor battery? any idea as to what brand to buy
Starboard

Al and Missy · 11-26-2015, 07:57 PM

If the univolt is bad, it could drag down a good battery. If you recently bought a new battery, disconnect shore power, disconnect the battery, and measure the voltage. If it is below 12.6 volts, put it on a charger for 12 hours or so. Disconnect the charger and let the battery rest for a couple of hours. Measure the voltage again. If it is not 12.6 or higher the battery is bad. Before you reconnect it in the trailer, put the battery cables so they will not touch each other or any metal part of the trailer. Plug in the shore power and measure the voltage at the battery cables. It should be over 12 volts and your lights should be at full brightness. If not, the univolt is bad.

If you have to replace the battery, get a deep cycle RV/Marine battery as a minimum. If you have to replace the converter, there are several sources, and maybe someone on here will chime in. I bought a Progressive Dynamics 9260. Others on here have recommended Best Converters as a source of help to decide which converter to buy.

Al

starboard · 11-30-2015, 02:32 PM

I did all of this. The result was 12.7 volts at the new battery (disconnected) and 13.6 at the Univolt (with the battery disconnected) ! The ground connection to the panel is good. The theory is that Led's do not dim with age. I checked the voltage at a couple of lights and I get 12.6 to 12.7! I will try buying a couple of better Led bulbs. Of course this does not make sense. Iam an architect and I usually get to understand things, but this....
Thank you for your persistent help however,
Didier

TG Twinkie · 11-30-2015, 04:14 PM

Do the other 12 volt systems (furnace, pump etc) work as they should? Have you checked the ground connection at the frame? Have you tested an individual light fixture by connecting it to a good 12 volt source? Have you measured the voltage at the light fixture?